1. CIVICUS Legitimacy, Transparency
and Accountability project
A Guide to Developing
Self-Regulation Frameworks
By Sifiso Dube
www.civicus.org
2. Purpose of the Guide
• To Guide network/umbrella bodies on issues consider, discuss
and agree upon during the process of coming up with a
homemade self-regulation framework and who have decided
or are considering developing some kind of self-regulation
framework for themselves. .
• To provide examples and case studies from existing self-
regulation frameworks in an effort to analyse what works and
what doesn’t.
• To highlight lessons learned and experiences from CSOs that
have developed Self-regulation frameworks.
www.civicus.org
3. Principles of the Guide
• Establishing the self-regulation initiative must be a civil society-led process
• Motivation and commitment from members is crucial
• All stakeholders must be involvement in the process from the beginning
• A flexible self-regulation initiative will attract a diverse group of organisations, including size,
focus and type
• Diversified resources are a prerequisite for sustainability of self-regulation initiative
• Using ICTs can increase participation of stakeholders
• Working in networks facilitates and encourages the implementation of self-regulation
mechanisms and mutual learning and problem solving.
• Members must seek to provide high quality and accurate information during reporting to
benefit from learning and recommendations
• A compliance system is needed for the monitoring and enforcement of self-regulation
initiative
• A peer review mechanism can provide credible information about the implementation of
framework
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4. Some common concepts
• CSO accountability refers to the obligation to justify words and deeds to society in general and to a
specific set of internal and external stakeholders. It embraces the actors, mechanisms and institutions by
which civil society organisations are held responsible for their actions
• CSO legitimacy usually implies that an organization is authentic and has justification for its actions.
Legitimacy may be derived from many sources including membership or constituency, legal recognition,
experience, relevant knowledge of the issues which civil society advocates for, etc. The critical issue for
civil society is the challenge that CSOs face around their justifications to voice their opinions and to speak
on behalf of others, especially vulnerable and marginalized communities.
• CSO transparency refers more to processes, procedures and values which ensure accountability. They are
prevalent in civil society’s method of work and the existence of appropriate systems and how these relate
to the functioning of civil society organisations. They can be fairly and accurately judged by stakeholders.
• Self-regulation mechanisms refers to a set of standards or norms that the group of organisations agrees
to try to meet for various reasons, of which some could be alternative to proposed strict NGO legislation
that are seen to limit the space for civic engagement ; wish to lift the general reputation and legitimacy of
CSOs , motivation comes from the fact that the Government meets CSOs that are certified according to a
specific set of standards , or simply to uplift each participating member by stating good practice and go
into a learning process with peer-organisations.
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5. Some considerations highlighted in
the guide
• Choosing the right type of instrument or
framework (capacity & understanding the
purpose)
Process of defining the most appropriate type of instrument:
Consideration of:
Geographical area Analysis, based on
Choice of
Available means of understand-
Purpose type of
communication ding of existing
instrument
Resources available types
Commitment, trust
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6. Some considerations
highlighted in the guide
• Choosing the level and type of content (level
of detail , standards types, dimensions)
• Level of members buy-in and participation
(political will)
• Sustainability of the framework (resources,
flexibility, affirmation)
• Relevance to environment and organisation
strategy
www.civicus.org
7. Sections of the Guide
Formulation of a Self-Regulation
Defining Self-regulation and its
Initiative (lessons learned from
importance (no one size fits all)
existing frameworks)
Reporting on Self-Regulation Initiative
Implementation of a Self-Regulation
(effective reporting systems, theory of
Initiative (management, resources)
change, compliance)
Impact of a Self-Regulation Initiative
(Long-term M & E, increased trust & Conclusion based on principles and
funding, political space protection) case studies
www.civicus.org
8. Next steps…
• Webinars on Guide application (LTA partners,
AGNA members, CSO Accountability experts)
• Regional workshops on Guide application (LTA
partners, AGNA members, CSO Accountability
experts)
• Piloting the Guide in 3 regions (Latin America,
SS Africa, South East Asia)
• Monitoring & evaluation of developed
frameworks based on the Guide
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